This Week: Support the Local Arts with a Fun, Festive TwistEmail support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Free Events: Created in California Shopping TweetupHot ItalianDec 8Wed 6pm-9pmThere will be a mix of vendors selling beautiful handmade goods and fashion all made right here in California! Put the fun back in shopping for the holidays and enjoy complimentary pizza as you shop. Also, don't forget Hot Italian offers great gifts as well!

Nightlife: Art Mix: Art in the DarkCrocker Art MuseumDec 9Thurs 5pm-9pmExplore the darker side of the season with art events inspired by the use of light and shadow in the master drawings exhibition A Pioneering Collection. Enjoy beats by DJ Rated R, contemporary dance from CORE Dance Collective, life drawing with models, spotlight talks, and a screening of the 1964 vampire classic, The Last Man on Earth, presented by Movies on a Big Screen.

Music: Philharmonic Winter, Wine & JazzAntiquite Mason Privee Dec 10Fri 6pm-9pmNow is your chance to experience the Sacramento Philharmonic like never before. Join in for "Winter, Wine & Jazz," held in Midtown, at the intimate setting of Antiquite Mason Privee. Sip locally produced wines while taking in the sounds of the season with a Jazz Trio that will leave you breathless. This event is part of the 12 Days of Midtown, which continues through this Sunday.

Music: SolsaTorch ClubDec 10Fri 9pmCheck out Sola at Torch Club, a long-standing hub of Sacramento Nightlife. Solsa's music consists of standard and original Latin and R&B tunes, all infused with a signature Latin percussion and flair. Solsa is also a melting pot for some of the Sacramento Valley's most talented musicians who, collectively, have amassed an incredible musical resume performing with and opening up for a multitude of legendary acts.

Kids & Fam: Holiday Cheer in Old SacramentoSacramento History MuseumDec 11Sat 1pm-4pmCelebrate with cider and cookies and visit with Father Christmas. Take part in some holiday sing-a-longs and even dance to 19th century music. Keep your ears open for the sounds of the Pony Express as they make their way from Folsom to Old Sacramento to deliver the Christmas Post. Help us decorate our holiday tree by making paper ornaments and festive candy canes!

Comedy: Joel McHaleMemorial AuditoriumDec 11Sat 7:30pm-11pmLive Nation presents Joel McHale, as he satirizes pop culture and current events with his stand up comedy. Joel is host of E!'s wildly popular show The Soup, where he provides sarcastic and biting commentary on the various clips, and stars as Jeff Winger on NBC's Community.

2nd Saturday Receptions:-Midtown: Go Your Own Way: Barton Gallery, 6pm-9pmSee how Midtown's unique charm and spirit has found its way into our district and into your heart.-Ho Ho Ho: ThinkHouse Collective, 6pm-9pmAt Vox Sacramento's show all art on display will be sold for $100 or less-a great gift for the holidays!-Everything is Awesome: Cuffs, 6pm-10pmEnjoy holiday snacks and drinks while taking in photographs by Keith Telfeyan. Donate a toy & enter a raffle for $50 to the store.

Special Events: SMAC Bookfair FundraiserBarnes & Noble - Arden FairDec 12-Dec 17Sun In-Store 9am-9pm; Mon-Fri Online, anytimeSupport the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and get your holiday shopping done at the same time. Live in-store performances and more! Mention SMAC at the register and a portion of your spending will support arts education, arts experiences for youth and community organizations, and professional development opportunities for artists and educators. Can't make it to the mall? Shop online during the week and enter Bookfair ID 10375962 at checkout.

Dance: Nutcracker Sweet SundayCommunity Center TheaterDec 12Sun 1pmBe inspired by the magic of Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker then, immediately after the show, enjoy juice and cookies while you meet the dancers in the lobby. Actually go on stage to enter the Land of Sweets and take pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy or other favorite characters. It's a wonderful holiday treat your family won't soon forget.

December's Featured Artist-This month's Featured Artist is Sacramento painter Steve Duroncelet. Steve is very influenced by the impressionists and creates works that strive to convey his firm belief in the goodness and beauty underlying all of our nature and environment. Learn more about him by reading his Featured Artist Profile. If you or someone you know are interested in being featured on Sacramento365.com, view the submission guidelines here.

Sac365 Digital Billboards-If you've been driving along I-5 or I-80 recently, you may have caught a glimpse of the digital billboard ads for Sacramento365.com that were offered as part of a PSA promo. These ads remind viewers to take part in the ARTS. OPEN DAILY.